The Incredible Story Of The Most Decorated Marine In American History

Virginian Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller was an all-American hero who served in conflicts around the world including the Pacific in World War II and the Korean War in the 1950s. He was a Marine, and even although he died almost 50 years ago, he is still a legend within the ranks of that elite U.S. military outfit.

Puller was born in June 1898 in West Point, Virginia, to parents Matthew and Martha. His father was a grocer but sadly died when Puller was just ten years old. It has been said that the fatherless boy would while away many childhood hours listening to tales of derring-do from old campaigners from the American Civil War.

That conflict had ended in 1865 – not much more than 30 years before Puller was born – so there was every chance that the impressionable young lad met veterans who had actually participated in the war. Indeed, legendary Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson was apparently a particular hero of the youngster’s.

In 1916, the teenage Puller was eager to see some action for himself and to generate some war stories of his own. The young Virginian attempted to enlist in the U.S. Army so that he could play his part in the Border War with Mexico. Alas, he was too young to join on his own say-so and his widowed mother refused to give the required permission. And so Puller’s first attempt to get into active service was thwarted, but it would not stay that way for long.

Comment

Gods own Drunk

....Far less well known , was his younger brother Peter, U.S.N.R., who was drummed out of service for.... 'Self Abuse'.......

rich rich

4 days ago

If u knew who this was based off the pic alone then to u I say uh rah devil dog 💯

thesinaclwon

4 days ago

Well if he ever ran out if room on his chest he has plenty of room on that forehead for some ribbons and medals lol.......I wouldn't say that to his face though because I'm sure he would rip off my head and shit down my throat.

Stoney Shugarts

5 days ago

Background song?

bingokitty

5 days ago

My oldest son just graduated MCRD San Diego, "Hotel Hell" Company and the base mascot is an English Bulldog named after this brave soldier.

Juan Laris

6 days ago

Like all Marines oorah crazy and brave f****** crazy war hell dogs

juan Carrera

6 days ago

Let’s see if he was ordered to take a group of German POW’s back to the rear and he stoped them and killed them all . It’s called a war crime and the military glorified him for it ! Even if the Germans did something similar this was not the right thing to do ! And should’ve been punished or is that a glorified for it !

Tyler

6 days ago

My grandfather served under him in WW2 and the Korean war as a sergeant. My grandfather loved serving under him (Also somewhat decorated)

Ricky Seymour

6 days ago

USMC 1977-1983, BEST TIME OF MY LIFE BAR NONE. SEMPER FIDELIS MARINES.🇺🇸

Gardner Barnes

6 days ago

If you like to read, I recommend any of the books about this man. Very inspiring. I'm over 50 and wanted to enlist.

Darrin DuFur

7 days ago

I heard he was a butt plunger

MSgt.Terric OTF O'Connor

8 days ago

You forgot to talk about his Book and the why's and where fir's of him writing it.... WAR IS A RACKET

woldoog1

8 days ago

Lima 3/5 -1st MarDiv...Nam 67/68 SEMPER FI!

Kevin Schnetter

8 days ago

Snow on Cap Gloucester? You a picture of Korea when talking about New Guinea.

James Salis

8 days ago

I have worked with militaries in a variety of foreign countries and I can tell you for sure there is nothing like an American Soldier.

Chaudry Jat

8 days ago

Lets say he was a evil killer and died like a dog.

Jason G

8 days ago

More decorations than Audie Murphy? Or different branches of service

Rock Riley

9 days ago

Not being able to properly pronnounce most of the important words in this story really tear at the credibility of those who made the video. Not saying the info in this is untrue, what i mean is it makes the speaker sound ignorant and as such one could be skeptical of what theyre saying. BTW, thanks to all those who have served, soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen past, present and future!

Mr. J Jingle

10 days ago

We do not "WIN" medals! We are awarded or recieve them. It's not a freaking lottery!